From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Concerned mothers in Kwara State took to the streets of Ilorin on Saturday, calling on the government to strengthen tobacco control measures to safeguard children from the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke.
The awareness campaign, organised by Bundies Care Support Initiative, in collaboration with Protecting and Activating Communities Against Tobacco, was part of activities marking World Cancer Day under the theme “United by Unique”, with a subtheme “Mothers’ Voices Against Tobacco in Our Children.”
Speaking during the march, Mrs. Funmilayo Osiegbu, Executive Director of Bundies Care Support Initiative, emphasised the urgent need for strict enforcement of Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act.
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She stressed that exposure to tobacco smoke poses severe health risks to children and families.
“We cannot watch helplessly as our children are exposed to harmful tobacco products,” Osiegbu said.
“The government must implement stronger policies to curb tobacco advertising, prevent youth access to these products, and protect public health from the tobacco industry’s influence.”
She cited similar efforts in Jordan, where mothers successfully pushed for stricter tobacco regulations, urging Nigerian mothers to unite and demand urgent action.
Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Afolashade Opeyemi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public health.
Represented by the ministry’s Director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply, Mrs. Ramat Akanni, she stressed that the state has zero tolerance for smoking, including shisha and other tobacco products.
Professor Abiodun Afolayan, Chairman of the Nigeria Cancer Society, Kwara State Chapter, highlighted the devastating effects of smoking, noting that lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers worldwide.
“Many smokers don’t realise the dangers until it’s too late. The effects of tobacco use may not manifest early, but they eventually lead to severe health complications and even death,” he warned.
Special Adviser on Drug Abuse to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Mr. Lekan Mikail, lauded the campaign, describing it as a vital complement to the state government’s efforts against drug abuse.
He urged parents to be more vigilant in protecting their children from smoking and substance abuse.
Market leaders also lent their voices to the campaign, with the Iyaloja of Yoruba-Road Market, Hajia Mulikat Ajide, urged traders and market women to discourage their children from smoking and drug abuse.
Among the groups that participated in the march were the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), and officials from the Kwara State Ministry of Health.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Government, act now against smoking!”, “No smoking, no cancer—don’t burn your life!”, and “Smoking and lung cancer go hand in hand!”, the mothers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a tobacco-free future for their children.
